So safe you can ride it without a helmet? BMW reveals self-balancing bike concept that is so safe you will NEVER fall off

Zero-emissions bike concept has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop

The bike can be steered without the various joints found on today's motorcycles, by turning the handlebar

Riders can interact with the bike through a pair of data glasses, that cover the wearer's entire field of vision

BMW aims to commercialise fully autonomous vehicles by 2021, through working with Intel and Mobileye

By AFP and ABIGAIL BEALL FOR MAILONLINE
12 October 2016

The motorcycle of the future is so safe riders can cruise without a helmet and never fall off, giving all of the thrills with none of the danger, according to BMW.
The German automaker unveiled its Motorrad Vision Next 100, a sleek, self-balancing prototype the company released as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a helmet.
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The self-balancing BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle is unveiled on the last of four international stops of the 'Iconic Impulses' event, celebrating 100 years of BMW. The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a helmet

The self-balancing BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle is unveiled on the last of four international stops of the 'Iconic Impulses' event, celebrating 100 years of BMW. The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a helmet

BMW'S MOTORRAD VISION NEXT 100 CONCEPT

A 'flexframe' extends from the front to the rear wheel, which means means the bike can be steered without the various joints found on today's motorcycles.
Turning the handlebar adjusts the entire frame, changing the direction of the bike.
The bike also rights itself while even stationary, remaining upright when the rider has dismounted.

The rider a can interact with the bike through a pair of data glasses, that cover the wearer's entire field of vision.

Despite its contemporary features the bike will not be fully autonomous, the company said.
'Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time,' said Edgar Heinrich, the design director of BMW's motorcycle division.

'Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out.'
'In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear.'
According to BMW, the 'flexframe' extends from the front to the rear wheel of the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100.

This means the bike can be steered without the various joints found on today's motorcycles.

Turning the handlebar adjusts the entire frame, changing the direction of the bike.
The bike also rights itself while even stationary, remaining upright when the rider has dismounted.

The balancing systems will ensure a particularly agile and dynamic riding experience with even lighter handling.

'Motorcycling is about escaping from the everyday: the moment you straddle your bike, you are absolutely free. Your bike is The Great Escape,' said Mr Heinrich.

A 'Digital Companion' provides the situational information and active support the rider needs, while remaining in the background.

The system is constantly active, but remains silent until required to issue an alert via the user interface or provide active assistance.